Kāpala, or stamping, has been a Native Hawaiian art form since ancient times. Our logos, designed by Ka‘iulani, are a series of hand-crafted kāpala (stamps) of the lau (leaf) and hua (nut) of the Kumu Lā‘au Kukui (Kukui Tree). Although invasive species have reduced its numbers, this Native tree's bright green canopy is still easily recognized lining our rivers and canyons. The Kukui has a wide variety of uses, from lei making to medicine. The nut is eaten both as food and medicinally. Kukui Nut Oil is highly prized for massage and beauty applications, as well as oiling wooden kitchen implements. However, the Kukui is best known as the "candle nut." The rich nuts can be used to make lanterns and torches called kukui hele pō.

Symbolically, this plant chases away the darkness and brings us light, allowing us to see more deeply. This light signifies enlightenment, knowledge, ‘ike. This ‘ike comes from the source, our ancestors, and our teachers like a lei spanning the generations. By adorning ourselves and our space with this plant, we welcome and honor this ‘ike and those who have come before us. We accept our kuleana (responsibility and priviledge) to continue to haku lei (braid the lei), bringing foward our future generations.